GDT: Semi-Final | Russia Vs Canada | 6PM | TSN/NHLN

[NyQuil]

I don't really care about exhibition games or even round robin games when it comes to predicting performances in elimination games.

It's a new tournament once you are one and done in pursuit of the gold.

 

[Passionis]

They play similarly in their own zone.

How?? Russian forwards put very high pressure, and as soon as it's turned over they either look for a quick breakout pass or turn around and play tictactoe with forecheckers.

The Czechs form a super passive wall, when there is a turnover they just take it and run, if there's no play they dump and change. Complete opposite.

 

[Melkor]

I can see this going anywhere from losing to completely stomping Russia.

...to getting completely stomped.

 

[NyQuil]

How?? Russian forwards put very high pressure, and as soon as it's turned over they either look for a quick breakout pass or turn around and play tictactoe with forecheckers.

The Czechs form a super passive wall, when there is a turnover they just take it and run, if there's no play they dump and change. Complete opposite.

Fair enough, I thought they were both pretty disciplined with their assignments and patient - not risking being out of position to make a play and give up a potential odd-man situation in their own zone.

But if the Russians decide to play high-pressure, it could certainly pay off for Canada as it's a high risk high reward type of approach if they fail to turn the puck over and end up out of position.

I'm not a fan of passive defensive systems but they certainly work against Canada.

 

[ViD]

...to getting completely stomped.

Yeah the 6-0 game is still fresh in memory

 

[NyQuil]

Yeah the 6-0 game is still fresh in memory

Canada wasn't really trying in that game.

Wasn't even an elimination situation.

 

[ViD]

The main article on Russian biggest sports site is about Canadian junior team. Paying respects, I see.

Спорт: футбол, хоккей, баскетбол, теннис, бокс, биатлон, Формула-1 — все новости спорта на Sports.ru

 

[Melkor]

Canada wasn't really trying in that game.

Wasn't even an elimination situation.

Don't kid yourself.

 

[Fried Tree Sap]

I think Canada are the favorites, but I would not be surprised at all if Russia takes it. I don't think either team is going to under estimate their opponent, and I'm expecting a tight close game that goes down to the wire (it seemingly always does). I expect the winner of this game to go on and take the gold.

 

[mazmin]

I wasn’t impressed with Canada vs Czech

Canada blows a 1-0 lead and Russia eventually wins 4-2 with an empty netter

 

[c9gunner]

People predicting a sure win for the either team are obviously not familiar with this tournament's history. For example - take a look at the last year - Canada lost to Russia 6-0 in preliminary round and won 4-3 in GMG. There are multiple factors that could affect this game, so I'm not sure which team will win. The only thing I'm sure about is the good hockey game this pm. Lets go Russia!

 

[NyQuil]

Don't kid yourself.

You missed the joke.

 

[Northern Avs Fan]

There aren’t many greater rivalries in sport better than Canada vs Russia on the international hockey stage. Looking forward to this one.

 

[ViD]

I think Canada are the favorites, but I would not be surprised at all if Russia takes it. I don't think either team is going to under estimate their opponent, and I'm expecting a tight close game that goes down to the wire (it seemingly always does). I expect the winner of this game to go on and take the gold.

Yeah, nobody denies Canada is the favorite today, but people saying they expect an easy outing are a bit naive

 

[NyQuil]

Yeah, nobody denies Canada is the favorite today, but people saying they expect an easy outing are a bit naive

Most people aren't, but as usual the internet discussion will follow the route of the most extreme opinions.

 

[Melkor]

You missed the joke.

Felt something wasn't right but couldn't tell 100%. Fair play.

 

[Gold Standard]

The main article on Russian biggest sports site is about Canadian junior team. Paying respects, I see.

Спорт: футбол, хоккей, баскетбол, теннис, бокс, биатлон, Формула-1 — все новости спорта на Sports.ru

LOL. the article headline is lot's of pressure, a great average level and bonus - problems with the PP.

showing mad respect.

 

[NyQuil]

LOL. the article headline is lot's of pressure, a great average level and bonus - problems with the PP.

showing mad respect.

It's a relatively fair criticism.

They bring up Canada's depth but no real stand-out offensive producers - lots of offense but very spread out.

Lots of effort, forechecking and increasingly production off the counter.

It's also the old story where Canada hasn't trailed in this tournament so no one really knows how they will respond in that situation.

On the other hand, it also means that they haven't trailed in the tournament, and while a little adversity early on is sometimes welcome, the fact remains that they've been in control of every game to date.

The PP is rightly a concern as the games get tighter - losing the special teams battle likely means going home. We don't have a guy like Zegras, as the article points out, so our PP has to be run from the points.

 

[ViD]

LOL. the article headline is lot's of pressure, a great average level and bonus - problems with the PP.

showing mad respect.

I think what they meant by the ‘great average level’ is the great depth of the squad

 

[Gold Standard]

There aren’t many greater rivalries in sport better than Canada vs Russia on the international hockey stage. Looking forward to this one.

I'm fine with playing the Russians in the semi-final. I prefer a Canada-USA GMG to be honest. more entertainment value in that GMG matchup. Got to beat the Russians to get there though...and that's not a guarantee. Could go either way tonight.

 

[D Wakaluk]

It's not fun to witness this kind slaughter in the semis. Poor Russia.

Canada should be able to send 10 teams to this tournament and settle the gold amongst themselves

This is out house!

 

[Northern Avs Fan]

I'm fine with playing the Russians in the semi-final. I prefer a Canada-USA GMG to be honest. more entertainment value in that GMG matchup. Got to beat the Russians to get there though...and that's not a guarantee. Could go either way tonight.

I can understand that, but there’s a lot more history with Canada/Russia.

 

[NyQuil]

It's not fun to witness this kind slaughter in the semis. Poor Russia.

Canada should be able to send 10 teams to this tournament and settle the gold amongst themselves

This is out house!

 

[Back in Black]

Bring it boys...

 

[Passionis]

It's not fun to witness this kind slaughter in the semis. Poor Russia.

Canada should be able to send 10 teams to this tournament and settle the gold amongst themselves

This is out house!

Funny enough there is some truth to that, but I do think Russian hockey is nipping on the heels of Canadian development and it won't be too much longer before its equal and surpassed.